January 2023

Institution of Engineering & Technology
Michael Faraday House, Stevenage.

Project Summary:

Location: Stevenage
Sector: Office
Client: IET
Architect: Pringle Richards Sharratt
Consultant: Watkins Payne
Main Contractor: ISG
Electrical Contractor: Moyne London
M&E Services: Jackson Coles
Value: £100k
Duration: 46 months
Size: 67,000 sq. ft
Photography: Will Pryce

299 Lighting delivered lighting for the IET as part of the full refurbishment project of Michael Faraday House. Michael Faraday House is the UK headquarters of the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The recent CAT A and CAT B  redevelopment of the iconic red brick building in Stevenage offers approximately 67,000 sq ft of  inspiring modern office space. The ambitious scheme was designed by Pringe Richards Sharratt and brought to life by ISG. The project recognises the importance of wellbeing of employees, whilst creating a stimulating workspace with a focus on sustainability.

 


The Institute of Engineering and Technology  occupied the building since 1989 and infrastructure of the building was at the end of its working life. The refurbishment scheme comprises the ground floor, 1st and 2nd floor of the building with the layout almost identical across the floorplates.

Linear office lighting was specified by the architect and consultant for the entire project. When Moyne London were appointed as the electrical contractor on the project, we picked up the work, collaborating closely with the electrical contractor and the consultant involved on the project.

The 299 team attended several site meetings with the design team, provided product samples and technical support. In total, 107 hours of lighting design hours were used to secure and support this project.

Lighting for offices

THE DESIGN BRIEF.

Enclosing the courtyard and creating an atrium, which would give the building a new heart and a sense of arrival was on top of the priority list.  To bring the building to a new standard and provide a high tech office environment for users, a  full replacement of the M&E services was necessary. With the project aiming to achieve the Excellent BREEAM sustainability accreditation, the new lighting had to meet high efficiency criteria. 


tubular feature lighting

Reception area

The ground floor features a large reception area with a minimalist contemporary design. The exposed ceilings are enhanced by a metal structure with mesh inserts. The tubular suspended luminaire Nile were positioned just above the metal structure, creating a visually striking yet discrete feature. The soft diffused light of the tubular Nile Suspended combined with the mesh structure mirror the look and feel of a computer board, a subtle connection with the engineering and technology. In total, 29 tubular fittings were used to create this tech inspired effect in the reception area. 

Linear office lighting
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Main office area

Linear lighting and made to measure linear lighting systems were used across the entire lighting installation for general lighting. The Rio Suspended direct/indirect was used in several standard sizes suspended in between the acoustic rafts in the open plan offices, meeting rooms and private offices. The made to measure linear lighting systems based on the Rio Suspended were also installed in the same fashion.

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Circulation areas

Cinca circular downlights were used in the circulation areas. The Cinca downlight is part of our Unsung Heroes range and is a popular choice of downlights for commercial lighting installations.
A combination of Bellart suspended and Bellart surface mounted was used in the circulation areas around the desks and breakout spaces. The large 120mm Bellart has a contemporary look and feel and delivers more punchier illumination. 

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Interesting fact: 

As part of the 48VDC Realisation forum, that IET is heavily involved in, we were requested to assist with creating a 48V demo area to replicate the off the grid situation. 
We gave the client advice on how to achieve this installation and provided new drivers for the existing fittings in order to make the ‘on-grid 230VAC area’ and the new off-grid 48VDC work together. 

All lighting was supplied in a contemporary matte black finish. To increase the visual comfort, the micro-prismatic diffusers were selected for the linear office lighting. The Rio luminaires were supplied as DALI dimmable allowing the lighting to function with the lighting control system. The fittings also included integrated PIR sensors. Integrated emergency lighting was supplied in some luminaires following the emergency lighting design.

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The final result is an understated ready to occupy CAT A and CAT B workplace designed to match the technological nature of the client. The office lighting is part of the sophisticated interior design, enhancing the architectural beauty and the fabric of the building.  


Project in figures:

107 Hours of Lighting Design

4 Revisions

29 Nile Suspended

Working on a unique or listed building project and need assistance?

Our team has the experience and expertise to help you every step of the way.

Working on a unique or listed building project and need assistance?

Our team has the experience and expertise to help you every step of the way.